General Questions and Answers for Federal Work Study

Please see below for frequently asked questions to help clarify the federal work study process.

How are current students notified of their eligibility to participate in the Federal Work Study (FWS) program?

Current students are notified via email by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Students are provided detailed instructions on where and how to apply. If a student has not been notified, they are ineligible for various reasons. Additional information can be found in Student Employment

How are incoming freshmen notified of their eligibility to participate in the FWS program?

A very limited population of entering freshmen will be offered FWS funds on their Financial Aid Package. To ensure you are assigned a position, you must accept the funds by the date reflected on your award notice. Additional details can be found in Student Employment.

I indicated on my FAFSA that I was interested in FWS, so does that mean I am eligible?

No. In order to be eligible a student must

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the priority deadline published on the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarship’s website. If randomly selected for verification, all verification forms with appropriate income tax documentation must be submitted. Any other documentation requirements not associated with verification must also be completed. Returning students must complete this procedure each academic year.

be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

demonstrate financial need.

be a degree seeking student enrolled at least half-time (i.e., no less than 6 eligible credit hours).

How do students receive the Federal Work Study payments?

Federal Work Study funds are earned based on the hours worked during a pay period and students receive a bi-weekly paycheck. Students are paid according to Florida's minimum wage standards and are processed bi-weekly via direct deposit.

FWS funds are not applied towards a student's semester balance.

I am assigned freshmen, so when and how will I know where I am working?

Notification of your assignment will be provided via email around mid-to-late July. The email notification will be forwarded to your UWF Gmail account and your supervisor will be copied on the notice.

Are all selected students required to attend orientation?

Yes. Regardless if the student previously participated, all students must complete online orientation.

FWS funds are split evenly between the fall and spring, so are students able to earn more than their fall allotment?

Yes. If a student earns more than their allotment in fall, the expectation that they may exhaust their total funds prior to the end of the spring semester should be understood.

Students are strictly prohibited from working in excess of 20 hours a week, and students are not allowed to exceed their allotment of funds for the year.

What are the minimum and maximum hours a student can work?

There is not a minimum number of hours a student can work; however, students cannot exceed 20 hours per week.

Are students and supervisors responsible for tracking their hours worked?

Yes. Students are required to remain aware of how many hours they are working per week. You are also expected to remain aware of how much of your total allotment has been earned. Students will submit their hours worked biweekly for supervisors review.

Can students work during finals, spring break and other holidays?

Yes. If the department is open then students are able to work.

What if I have questions concerning my time-sheet or paycheck?

Student should first speak with their direct supervisor. If your supervisor cannot assist, you will need to contact the Controller's Office for paycheck questions, and time-sheet questions should be directed towards Human Resources.

If I received an assignment last year as an incoming freshman, will I receive an assignment this year?

No. Current students are required to apply and be hired for a position. Additional details can be found in Student Employment.

If I was hired for a position last year, will I be hired again this year?

Not necessarily. Current students must apply and be hired for a position every academic year.

Do I have to be enrolled full-time (i.e., 12+ credit hours) to participate in the Federal Work Study program?

No. Students do not need to be enrolled full-time; however, students must be at least half-time (i.e., 6 eligible credit hours).